Sign in toMassLive.com

Chicopee officials to bid to buy 6-family building next to City Hall

Posted November 24, 2014 at 7:02 PM

296 front.JPG

City officials are interested in purchasing this house at 296 Front St. and want to tear it down and use the property for a parking lot. The house is two buildings down from City Hall.
(JEANETTE DeFORGE/ REPUBLICAN)

CHICOPEE - Officials are hoping to expand the cramped parking lot at City Hall by purchasing a nearby six-family home and tearing it down.

The house at 296 Front St. has been vacant for a short period of time and is now for sale. It is two buildings down from City Hall and is next to a small public parking lot the city created a number of years ago by purchasing another building and tearing it down.

Mayor Richard J. Kos said he would like to eventually acquire the building next door to City Hall, which is a boarding home owned by the Valley Opportunity Council, and create one large lot next to City Hall. It is a plan discussed for years by several mayors.

"We have had some discussions about the other house but this is available right now," he said.

Kos asked for quick approval so he could put in an offer before someone else shows an interest in the building.

"As you know parking is tough and in winter it gets worse," he said.

The City Council approved taking the property by eminent domain in a 13-0 vote, which is the only way the city can acquire property.

"I've been watching for the property to be put up for sale," Councilor Frank N. Laflamme said.

One of his concerns is there is little on-site parking at the house. If someone purchased it and filled all six apartments, there would be even more problems with parking around City Hall. For some time only one apartment was occupied by the owner.

There was no discussion about funding during the City Council meeting, but paperwork said "the total award for the taking would be $140,000." The house is currently listed for sale for $119,900.

The approval allows the city to simply begin the process to take the property. Kos said he will return to the City Council for approval of funding once a sale price is agreed upon.
Later he will also have to get a second approval to pay for tearing down the building and creating a parking lot.

A preliminary look at the building shows it has some asbestos in it which must be removed before it is torn down. It is not known if there are other hazardous materials in the building or on the property, Kos said.